The project aims to combat loneliness.
Shrugging-off the rather cold and windy weather, an invited group of Markfield residents enjoyed the excellent hospitality provided by the Rural Community Council's (RCC) Coffee Connect Van on April 21.
The driving visit marked the launch of the RCC's Rural Coffee Connect project last week with a fantastic turnout at the Markfield Community and Sports Centre.
With the aim of tackling loneliness, the RCC team offered drinks to guests whilst sharing the exciting plans for the van during spring, summer and beyond.
An RCC representative said: "We recognise that anyone can feel lonely, and therefore anyone can take steps in their everyday life to reach out and help others in their local community suffering from loneliness.
"We offer free Zoom based training sessions which are designed to explain the common causes and effects of loneliness, talking through ways to reach out, connect and help others that may be experiencing loneliness and sharing useful links, tools, and resources to help tackle loneliness."
A Markfield resident said: “When the van visited the Markfield Community and Sports Centre, I very much enjoyed my first proper latte in many months and catching-up with friends and colleagues from across the village.”
The project offers complimentary, high quality coffee and hot drinks in an informal, friendly space with a simple ‘coffee and chat’ approach.
The pop-up visits bring people together and support individuals in building mutual connections with neighbours and existing local services.
Through community capacity building, Coffee Connect staff aim to help identify and facilitate the set-up of long-term assets and services to support stronger, more connected communities.
